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AS9100 certification – aerospace, aviation and defense standard
AS9100 is the globally recognized quality management system (QMS) for the aviation, space and defense industries. Built on ISO 9001, the AS9100 quality management system adds aerospace-specific requirements to ensure product safety, regulatory compliance and consistent performance across complex supply chains. For organizations working in the aerospace sector, AS9100 certification is often required to work on contracts with major aerospace OEMs, aviation authorities and government agencies.
AS9100 is part of a series of standards operated by the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) which also includes:
- AS9110 – for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organizations
- AS9120 – for aerospace distributors and stockists
These standards ensure safety and quality across the full aerospace supply chain, from manufacturing to maintenance and distribution.
What is AS9100 certification?
AS9100 certification is an internationally recognized quality management certification tailored specifically for the aerospace sector.
The AS9100 standard builds on ISO 9001 and adds over 100 aerospace-specific additional requirements including:
- risk management
- product safety
- configuration control
- supply chain oversight
- counterfeit parts prevention
Achieving AS9100 certification demonstrates that your organization has implemented a robust and compliant QMS designed to meet strict industry and regulatory requirements.
Get started with TÜV SÜD
Start your journey with us today.Who needs AS9100 certification?
AS9100 for aerospace OEMs
Organizations responsible for the design, development or assembly of aircraft, spacecraft or major aerospace systems rely on AS9100 certification to ensure consistent quality, traceability and safety across the product lifecycle.
AS9100 for aerospace suppliers
All suppliers manufacturing components, assemblies or providing engineering and production services require AS9100 certification to qualify as approved suppliers and participate in global aerospace supply chains.
AS9100 for defense contractors
Defense contractors and suppliers often require AS9100 certification to meet procurement requirements and ensure compliance with rigorous government and industry standards.
What are the benefits of AS9100 certification?
- Demonstrates compliance with internationally recognized aerospace quality standards
- Improves product safety, reliability and regulatory alignment
- Enhances credibility and trust with customers and stakeholders
- Supports access to global aerospace supply chains and contracts
- Drives operational efficiency through structured processes and continual improvement
- Strengthens supplier management and supply chain control
AS9100 certification is widely considered essential for organizations looking to compete and grow within highly regulated aviation, space and defense (AS&D) industries.
What are the requirements of AS9100?
AS9100 clause structure and framework
The AS9100 standard follows a 10-clause structure aligned with ISO 9001 which provides a framework to support integration of the management system. Clauses 0–3 provide introductory information, and clauses 4-10 define the core requirements for a compliant quality management system.
Understanding organizational context
Organizations must assess their entire ecosystem including customers, the supply chain and other key stakeholders. This helps ensure effective management and continual improvement of supplier quality and overall performance.
Leadership responsibility and system integration
Senior leadership support is essential to achieving and maintaining AS9100 certification. In practice, this means appointing a management representative responsible for overseeing the quality management system, ensuring its requirements are fully integrated into business processes and aligned with the organization’s strategic direction.
Managing quality across the supply chain
AS9100 places strong emphasis on supplier control, traceability and risk management to ensure consistent quality of materials and components across the aerospace supply chain.
Flexible and non-prescriptive implementation
The AS9100 standard allows organizations to tailor it to its specific operations and needs while maintaining compliance with required processes and outcomes.
How do you get AS9100 certification?
Step 1: Read and understand the AS9100 standard
Gain a clear understanding of the AS9100 standard, its requirements and how they apply to your organization. The standard defines the quality management system required to meet regulatory requirements, improve performance and ensure customer satisfaction. It’s essential that all employees understand the standard, your organization’s commitment to it and its impact on their work. Conduct an internal audit of your organization's processes to identify areas for improvement and develop an action plan to address them.
To gain a better understanding of AS9100, you could undertake training such as our AS9100:2016 Aerospace Quality Management System Rev. D Awareness for beginners.
Step 2: Conduct a gap analysis and take action
Conduct a gap analysis to assess your current quality management system against AS9100 certification requirements. Develop and follow an effective corrective action plan to address any gaps. Training such as our intermediate AS9100:2016 Aerospace Quality Management Systems Internal Auditor Training can help make this easier.
Step 3: Choose an accredited AS9100 certification body
Select an accredited independent third-party certification body, such as TÜV SÜD, to carry out the AS9100 audit.
Step 4: Complete the audit and address nonconformities
Undergo a two-stage AS9100 audit process and resolve any identified nonconformities.
Stage 1: Documentation review
Stage 2: On-site implementation audit – Nonconformities are reported and assigned to specific corrective action owners
Audit duration depends on factors such as organization size, complexity and number of employees.
Step 5: Achieve certification and maintain it
Once certified, your organization must complete annual surveillance audits to maintain compliance and certification. Continued improvement requires sustaining the quality management system and regularly evaluating it to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
Why choose TÜV SÜD for AS9100 certification
TÜV SÜD supports organizations throughout the AS9100 certification process with experienced auditors and globally recognized certification services. By partnering with us, you benefit from the international acceptance of a TÜV SÜD certificate and the global recognition of the TÜV SÜD certification mark.
Years of experience
We are a leader in management systems standards with decades of experience in developing solutions that provide quality and reliability for the ASD industry.
International presence
Global network of auditors familiar with various specific scopes and legal requirements for regions you operate in including German and American certification.
Preferred service provider
Our status within the industry makes us the preferred service provider for many major aircraft and equipment manufacturers.
Expert partnership
Experts hold international/national accreditations to satisfy local requirements for combined auditing exercises and follow a strict code of conduct
Dedicated project manager
Enjoy the convenience of a single point of contact with a dedicated project manager who ensures your audit is managed efficiently and delivered on time.
AS9100 update to IA 9100
The AS9100 standard is being updated to IA9100, reflecting its global scope and evolving industry requirements. Publication is expected in 2026, so businesses in the aerospace supply chain should prepare now.
The new version is expected to introduce enhancements in areas such as product safety, supply chain control and information security, while maintaining the core structure of the current standard.
Organizations certified to AS9100 will need to transition to IA9100 once it is released, ensuring continued compliance with the latest aerospace quality standards.
FAQs
Is AS9100 certification required to work with aerospace OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers?
While AS9100 certification is not typically mandated by aviation authorities, it is often a prerequisite for participating in the aerospace supply chain. The industry operates through a hierarchical supply chain structure, with OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) such as Airbus and Boeing at the top, followed by Tier 1 suppliers responsible for major systems and assemblies, and then successive tiers of component, material, and service providers.
Quality requirements established by OEMs are frequently flowed down through this supply chain, meaning that Tier 1 suppliers often require their own suppliers to achieve and maintain AS9100 certification. As a result, organizations may find that AS9100 becomes a contractual or supplier approval requirement even if they do not work directly with an OEM.
For many aerospace companies, AS9100 certification serves as a key enabler for market access, demonstrating alignment with industry-recognized quality expectations and increasing eligibility for aerospace and defence programs.
How long does it take to achieve AS9100 certification?
The timeline depends on an organization's size, complexity, and existing quality management maturity. Companies already certified to ISO 9001 may require only a few months to transition, while organizations implementing a quality management system for the first time may require a longer preparation period.
In the aerospace industry, it is generally advisable to begin planning for AS9100 certification as early as possible. There is a common saying that aircraft certification activities should begin on "Day 0" of a development program, not after the design is complete. The same philosophy applies to quality management systems. Organizations that wait until a customer requires AS9100 certification may find themselves facing delays in supplier approval, qualification activities, or contract awards.
By establishing the necessary quality processes early, companies can align their operations with aerospace expectations from the outset, reduce the effort required to enter new programs, and position themselves to respond more quickly when market opportunities arise.
A certification body can help assess an organization's current level of readiness and develop a certification roadmap tailored to its business objectives and growth plans.
What is the difference between ISO 9001 and AS9100?
AS9100 incorporates all ISO 9001 requirements while adding aerospace-specific controls focused on product safety, operational risk management, configuration management, supplier oversight, traceability, and counterfeit parts prevention. Organizations already certified to ISO 9001 often use AS9100 certification to demonstrate their ability to meet the more stringent quality and safety expectations of the aerospace industry.
